Michael Smith's article in question falls within the category of a critique of anthropocentrism. This paper will analyse the concept of 'egalitarianism' and on the general problems with 'ethical reasoning'. It will be argued that while his critical arguments are sound, there are problems with biocentrism and the reference to Spinoza. It will also be argued that he rejects this because this latter notion is fraught with traditional problems of metaphysics. 5 pgs. 10 f/c. 1b.